‘Covid made me buy a LiveWire!’
Unable to tour, Gareth Swanson swapped a Harley-Davidson Ultra for a LiveWire
“I’m a Harley-Davidson rider through and through and since passing my test in 2003 I have only ever owned Harleys – and always touring models. I started on a Heritage and then bought the first of my four full-dress Ultras, upgrading when the model changed significantly. I’m not from a biking background and for me riding isn’t about speed, it is about enjoyment, touring and also the social scene through HOG, which gives you a reason to ride. However 2020 curtailed this. “Most of my riding involved attending HOG events and the Covid pandemic completely stopped this, especially the European touring holidays. I’ve owned an electric car for a long time and so the LiveWire did appeal but as I do so much touring I didn’t buy one as it didn’t suit my needs, however the pandemic changed all this. As foreign travel was banned, the LiveWire suddenly became a really interesting prospect. I took the plunge in July bought one from Sycamore H-D – and
I’m delighted I did.
“The LiveWire is by far the sportiest bike I’ve ever owned and I love the challenges that you have with electric. Every trip is like a mini tour as you plan recharge points, decide your route based on fun roads and not battery-sapping motorways and basically ride for sheer fun rather than just milemunching. Not that it can’t cover miles, I did the Iron Hog Challenge and rode 900 miles to 19 dealers in 60 hours, which was a logistical challenge and brilliant fun and I honestly never wished I was on an Ultra. And it cost me just £16 in electricity!
“My LiveWire is now showing 3400 miles, which were all covered from July to November. Although it was bought as a bit of fun, I absolutely love the LiveWire!”